Hip Preservation Surgery

What is hip preservation surgery?

Hip preservation is a group of surgeries that encompasses a range of procedures aimed at repairing or reshaping the native hip joint to improve its function and reduce pain. It commonly involves treatment of the consequences of childhood hip disorders such as hip dysplasia, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, Perthes Disease, femoroacetabular impingent, rotational abnormalities such as intoeing, and avascular necrosis.

These procedures are typically recommended for patients experiencing hip pain, limited mobility and function without significant signs of hip joint damage, in which case patients will likely be recommended a hip replacement surgery.

Hip preservation surgery can include both open and arthroscopic "key-hole" forms of surgery.

What does hip preservation surgery treat?

Hip preservation is a group of surgeries that represent a wide variety of conditions, and can be recommended depending on your personal goals, the severity of your condition or injury, and many other factors. Finding the right care for your personal circumstances should be an ongoing process with your medical professional of choice.

Dr Eardley-Harris is trained in all forms of non-operative and operative treatments for hip preservation and will work with you to tailor a plan with consideration of your hip, your goals, and your function.

Common hip preservation surgeries include:

PERIACETABULAR OSTEOTOMY (PAO): A surgical procedure to reposition and realign the socket (acetabulum), used in patients with hip dysplasia

HIP ARTHROSCOPY: Minimally invasive surgery to reshape the hip or repair the labrum

FEMORAL OSTEOTOMY: A surgical procedure used to realign the ball (femur), or rotation of the leg

SURGICAL HIP DISLOCATION: Open evaluation of the hip joint, and repair of structures

CARTILAGE GRAFTING: A surgical procedure to treat cartilage defects

LABRAL REPAIR OR RECONSTRUCTION: Repair of labral tears or reconstruction of a new labrum

CAPITAL REALIGNMENT SURGERY: A surgical procedure to realign a deformity of the hip or slipped capital femoral epiphysis

DECOMPRESSION AND GRAFTING FOR AVASCULAR NECROSIS: Treatment for avascular necrosis or when the hip blood supply is altered

Meet Nathan

Adult & Paediatric Hip and Knee Surgeon

Dr Nathan Eardley-Harris has experience in providing care for patients throughout the entire spectrum of life

As an Australian-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon based in Adelaide, South Australia specialising in hip and knee surgery covering very young children to the elderly and everyone in-between, Nathan offers personalised care to help patients find the best outcomes in every unique condition.

He has subspecialty, post-fellowship training in hip preservation surgery and joint replacement, including robotic & technology-assisted surgery across all approaches, including the direct anterior approach. Through compassion, communication, collaboration & competence, Nathan aims to build patient-surgeon trust, helping you understand your condition and the options available to empower you to make better treatment decisions toward your personal recovery goals. With stronger, better-informed patient-surgeon relationships, evidence-based surgical techniques and the latest assistive technology, Nathan aims to provide patients with the best possible care.

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Diagnosis and Management Plan

Dr Eardley-Harris will formulate a diagnosis and personalised management plan for your situation.

A joint decision between you and Dr Eardley-Harris has been made to proceed with surgery after discussion of the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Personalised Planning

Preparing for Surgery

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions to prepare. This includes blood tests, ECGs, and further imaging. You may be asked to stop certain medications around the time of your surgery and will be told when you need to stop eating or drinking.
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You may need special equipment to prepare your home for your return.

Surgery

Dr Eardley-Harris and his team will greet you on the day of surgery, and answer any further questions you have about the surgery and your recovery.

After Surgery

Follow-up

Following surgery, Dr Eardley-Harris usually keeps a close eye on your recovery with follow-up visits at 2 and 6 weeks, followed by an ongoing review to make sure you are meeting your goals.

Rehabilitation

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Decision for Surgery

Together we have made the decision that surgery is the best pathway forward. Our team will discuss with you the timing and the location of your surgery, including the expected length of stay in hospital.

Personalised Surgical Planning

Dr Eardley-Harris will sit down and plan your specific surgery to best achieve your goals. This may involve further tests needed for the planning, as well as any unique circumstances to your condition or injury.

Preparation

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions to be ready for the operation. This may include certain tests, medication management, and pre-surgery & aftercare information.

Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, Dr Eardley-Harris will visit you in the pre-operative room, and answer any other questions that you have, and ensure that you are ready for your procedure. During your surgery, our team will ensure you are comfortable and well-informed.

Recovery

Following surgery you will enter the recovery room, with specialised nursing care. Here, you and your family will be informed of the findings, allowing you to be confident in the outcome. You will follow your pre-planned aftercare procedures to allow your body to recover.

Questions

Choosing surgery is a significant decision that often involves careful consideration of various factors. If you have any questions throughout your process, feel free to ask Dr Eardley-Harris' team for further clarity.

Hip Preservation Surgery

What is hip preservation surgery?

What does hip preservation surgery treat?

Meet Nathan

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's discuss your personalised treatment plan